An ongoing campaign launched last year is continuing to grow in popularity, with many in the MIA coming forward to hand in firearms or related items during the most recent gun amnesty. Inspector Nick Seddon from Murrumbidgee Police District said despite already having an amnesty earlier in the year, the station still had around 200 firearms surrendered. “It is great to see many people are taking the initiative seriously,” Inspector Seddon said. “In the long run it will make people safer. For farmers, it reduces the risk of firearms being stolen and used for other crimes. “We understand the necessity of having guns on properties, however bringing those numbers down to one or two per property reduces risks.” He said many people who find themselves with a gun, through the passing of a family member or discovering old firearms in a shed, have the chance to surrender them without fear of penalties. Over the course of a three month period last year, it’s estimated over 250 firearms were given up across the Murrumbidgee Police District. Police say 24,831 firearms and 1898 firearm parts were netted for sale, destruction or registration. According to NSW police, 4244 firearms were handed in for registration, sale or destruction across NSW as of September 27. RELATED: This includes more than 701 rifles, 52 handguns, 26 revolvers, 226 shotguns, 332 firearm parts, one silencer, a replica Colt AR-15 Machine Gun, a .40 calibre flintlock pistol and a RW.45 US army–issued pistol surrendered to police for destruction. The amnesty ensures anyone with an unregistered firearm or firearm-related item in their possession has the opportunity to legally dispose, or register it without penalty.

MIA takes advantage of gun amnesty

AMNESTY END: Inspector Nick Seddon estimated around 200 firearms were handed in to Griffith Police Station between July 1 and September 30, 2018. Picture: Jacinta Dickins

An ongoing campaign launched last year is continuing to grow in popularity, with many in the MIA coming forward to hand in firearms or related items during the most recent gun amnesty.

Inspector Nick Seddon from Murrumbidgee Police District said despite already having an amnesty earlier in the year, the station still had around 200 firearms surrendered.

“It is great to see many people are taking the initiative seriously,” Inspector Seddon said.

“In the long run it will make people safer. For farmers, it reduces the risk of firearms being stolen and used for other crimes.

“We understand the necessity of having guns on properties, however bringing those numbers down to one or two per property reduces risks.”

He said many people who find themselves with a gun, through the passing of a family member or discovering old firearms in a shed, have the chance to surrender them without fear of penalties.

Over the course of a three month period last year, it’s estimated over 250 firearms were given up across the Murrumbidgee Police District. Police say 24,831 firearms and 1898 firearm parts were netted for sale, destruction or registration.

According to NSW police, 4244 firearms were handed in for registration, sale or destruction across NSW as of September 27.